Mira: Okay Leo, let's sashay into our next topic, darling! '19. LGBT+ Friendly Atmosphere'! Portugal versus Spain – who's serving more fabulousness? Hehe! I'm already picturing a glitter cannon showdown!
Leo: Glitter cannon showdown? Mira, you always take things to eleven. More like a 'who's got the better rainbow flag' competition. Though, knowing the Portuguese and Spanish, it’ll probably end in a tie and a very late dinner. Hmm!
Mira: Oh, but a fabulous tie, Leo! Think of the Eurovision vibes! Seriously though, Portugal has really stepped up its game, hasn’t it? Like, remember when they legalized samesex marriage way back in 2010? That's practically vintage in fabulous years! Wow!
Leo: Vintage fabulousness. I like that. Spain, of course, was even earlier, making it legal in 2005. Spain was like, "Hold my sangria, Portugal, watch this!" and boom, marriage equality. Always one for a dramatic entrance, Spain is. Hehe!
Mira: True, Spain's always been a bit of a showoff when it comes to being progressive, hasn't it? But Portugal, in its own charming way, has been quietly building a really inclusive space. Lisbon Pride, for example, is getting bigger and brighter every year! Ooh!
Leo: Bigger and brighter, just like your wardrobe, Mira. Hehe! Madrid Pride though, that’s practically a citywide fiesta! They shut down half the city and it's just rainbows and glitter as far as the eye can see. It’s like someone spilled a giant box of fabulousness all over Madrid. Hahaha!
Mira: Oh, Madrid Pride sounds like my kind of party! But you know, Lisbon's got this cool, laidback vibe, even in its Pride celebrations. It’s more like a friendly street party where everyone's invited, even your slightly bewildered uncle. Ahhh!
Leo: Bewildered uncles are always welcome, Mira, especially if they bring snacks. Barcelona Pride is also pretty massive and super stylish, very fitting for Barcelona, right? It’s like, "Yes, we’re celebrating equality, and we’re doing it with impeccable taste." Very Catalan. Hmm!
Mira: Impeccable taste, naturally! But Portugal has this amazing community spirit too. I’ve heard stories about smaller towns in the Algarve becoming real havens for LGBT+ folks, really welcoming and warm. It’s like sunshine and acceptance all rolled into one! Ooh!
Leo: Sunshine and acceptance, sounds like a travel brochure, Mira. But yeah, Portugal does have that lovely, gentle vibe. Spain, especially in cities like Sitges and Gran Canaria, is just openly, unapologetically queer all year round. It's like, "Honey, we're here, we're queer, get used to it, and have a tapa!" Hehe!
Mira: Tapas and tolerance! The perfect combo! And legally, both countries are pretty solid, right? Antidiscrimination laws, adoption rights, all that good stuff? It's not just about the parties, it's about real protection and equality. Wow!
Leo: Oh, absolutely, Mira. Legally, both are in the top tier in Europe. Spain even has laws against hate crimes specifically targeting LGBT+ people, which is pretty impressive. Portugal's right up there too, though, making sure everyone's got equal footing. No legal drama here, mostly just fabulousness. Ahhh!
Mira: Mostly fabulousness, I like that! So, if someone's thinking of visiting or even moving, and they're looking for a place where they can hold hands with their partner without a second thought, both Portugal and Spain are fantastic choices then? Ooh!
Leo: Absolutely, Mira. You can pretty much be yourself in both countries without raising eyebrows, especially in the bigger cities and tourist areas. Though, like anywhere, you might still find some less accepting corners, especially in very rural areas. But overall? Rainbow flags flying high and proud! Hahaha!
Mira: Rainbow flags and maybe a cheeky sangria or a pastel de nata to celebrate? Sounds like a winwin to me, Leo! So, for LGBT+ friendliness, it's less of a competition and more of a double dose of awesome! Aha!
Leo: Double dose of awesome, perfectly put, Mira! Like choosing between two flavors of ridiculously delicious ice cream. You can't really go wrong, can you? Though, I’d still pick coffee flavored… Hmm! But for LGBT+ folks, Portugal and Spain? Both serving up a very welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. Ahhh!